Intel's big push on mobile: Clover Trail+, 4G LTE modem

Intel continued its push to claw back some of the mobile space from ARM with two announcements at MWC this week. Intel lauunched a dual-core Atom System on Chip platform for smartphones and tablets it's calling Clover Trail+. Intel also announced a multimode-multiband LTE solution that it says will ship in the first half of this year.

Intel announces new Atom smartphone platform, multiband LTE solution

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Intel's announcements at MWC showcase its desire to be taken seriously in the mobile space

Intel continued its push to claw back some of the mobile space from ARM with two announcements at MWC this week. Intel launched a dual-core Atom System on Chip platform for smartphones and tablets it's calling Clover Trail+. Intel also announced a multimode-multiband LTE solution that it says will ship in the first half of this year.

Intel for mobile: Clover Trail+

Intel is promoting Clover Trail+ for its relatively low power consumption: long a problem for Intel in the mobile space. It's launching three 32nm dual core Intel Atom Processors, each supports up to four simultaneous application threads and offers Intel Hyper-Threading Technology.

The Intel Atom Z2580, Z2560, Z2520 chips are available in speeds up to 2GHz, 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz, respectively. Combined with these processors the Clover Trail+ platform includes an Intel graphics engine that Intel says can deliver 'up to three times the graphics performance1 for rich 3-D visuals, lifelike gaming and smooth, full 1080P hardware-accelerated video encode and decode at 30fps'.

Clover Trail+ offers support for two advanced cameras, Intel said, and offers powerful security features. With WUXGA display support of 1900x1200, Clover Trail+ will enable larger-screen tablet designs, the company said.

"Our second-generation product delivers double the compute performance and up to three times the graphics capabilities, all while maintaining competitive low power," said Hermann Eul, Intel vice president and co-general manager of the Mobile and Communications Group.

"As we transition to 22nm Atom SoCs later this year, we will take full advantage of the broad spectrum of capabilities enabled by our design, architecture, 22nm tri-gate transistor technology, and leading-edge manufacturing to further accelerate our position."

Intel for mobile: 4G LTE

The Intel XMM 7160 is a multimode-multiband LTE solution offering LTE, DC-HSPA+ and EDGE, and supporting multiple devices including smartphones, tablets and Ultrabooks, Intel said. Again, the company stressed low power consumption as a strong point of Intel XMM 7160.

According to Intel the 7160 global modem supports 15 LTE bands simultaneously. Intel is currently shipping its single mode 4G LTE data solution and will begin multimode shipments later in the first half of this year.

"The 7160 is a well-timed and highly competitive 4G LTE solution that we expect will meet the growing needs of the emerging global 4G market," Eul said.

"Independent analysts have shown our solution to be world class and I'm confident that our offerings will lead Intel into new multi-comm solutions. With LTE connections projected to double over the next 12 months to more than 120 million connections, we believe our solution will give developers and service providers a single competitive offering while delivering to consumers the best global 4G experience. Building on this, Intel will also accelerate the delivery of new advanced features to be timed with future advanced 4G network deployments."

Intel for mobile: the strategy

"In less than a year's time we have worked closely with our customers to bring Intel-based smartphones to market in more than 20 countries around the world, and have also delivered an industry-leading low-power Atom SoC tablet solution running Windows 8, and shipping with leading OEM customers today. Looking forward, we will build upon this foundation and work closely with our ecosystem partners, across operating systems, to deliver the best mobile products and experiences for consumers with Intel Inside."